New Equine Test

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd3-PRA)

Description:

The term "PRA" refers to 'Progressive Retinal Atrophy," which is a group of disorders in which cells in the retina of the eye degenerate, eventually leading to vission loss. One form of PRA occurs in Cardigan Welsh Corgis, known as rcd3-PRA. In this form of PRA, the rod cells of a young Corgi begin to die, often before the age of 1 year old. The rod cells are responsible for vision in low-light or night settings and the dog quickly becomes night-blind. At 2-3 years old, the dog's cone cells also degenerate and die off. This leads to a loss of color vision as well as well as vision in bright light. This ultimately results in complete blindness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA.

Because rcd3-PRA is a recessive disorder, a dog can be an obligate carrier and not display any symptoms of the disease. This makes DNA testing an important tool to ensure the health of all puppies. Breeding two carrier dogs can result in affected offspring. There is a 25% chance that a pup could receive the mutated allele from each parent and be affected by the disease.

Acceptable Sample Types:

Animal Genetics accepts buccal swab, blood, and dewclaw samples for testing. Complimentary sample collection kits are available and can be ordered at test now.

This Test Is Relevant For the Following Breeds:

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Results

Animal Genetics offers DNA testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd3-PRA) in Corgis and rcd1-PRA in Irish Setters. The genetic test verifies the presence of the recessive PRA Gene and presents results as one of the following:

PRA3/PRA3

Affected

The dog carries two copies of the mutant gene and is homozygous for rcd3-PRA. The dog will display symptoms associated with the disorder and will always pass a copy of the mutation to its offspring.

PRA3/n

Carrier

Both the normal and mutant copies of the gene are detected. The dog is a carrier for rcd3-PRA and could pass on either allele to any offspring.

n/n

Clear

Dog tested negative for the rcd3-PRA gene mutation and will not pass on the defective gene to its offspring.